[Effectiveness of antidepressants. Implications of two meta-analyses for clinical practice]

Abstract

Background: Following reports of new scientific research there are frequently discussions in the media about the effectiveness of antidepressants.

Aim: To find out whether recently published meta-analyses about the effectiveness of antidepressants have consequences for clinical practice.

Method: Two recent meta-analyses which investigated the effectiveness of antidepressants are discussed. results The two studies were conducted along similar lines using similar methods. Both meta-analyses concluded that antidepressants are effective in the more serious type of depressive disorders. They are less effective in mild depressive disorders.

Conclusion: On the basis of these two meta-analyses it was concluded that antidepressants should be prescribed solely for patients with severe depressive disorders.